We can add the Beavers to a growing list of schools (St. Bonaventure, UNC-Charlotte, USC, Boston College) that have speed dated with Hopkins but ultimately, by their choice or his, decided to marry someone else.

#HopkinsWatch has become a character in a horror film.

No matter what SU A.D. Daryl Gross does, it will not die as long as Jim Boeheim remains the head coach at Syracuse and Hopkins remains the "coach in waiting."

"That has always kind of been my philosophy," Gross said. "He is the head coach-in-waiting. Just hang in there. How do we recognize him as a top assistant coach in the country? But you get to a point where you say, "I have to be fair to you, Mike. If there is a great opportunity that you see, I understand. Just make sure you don’t have a huge buyout, because when it comes available, we are coming to get you (laughs).'

"That’s about all you can say. When you recognize him as a top assistant, when you’ve insured him that he is the head-coach-in-waiting, what more can you do, right? He has been such a great sport about the whole thing and brings so much value to our program. He’s got the right stuff and the great magic. Those qualities that the great coaches have. Learning from Jim (Boeheim) all these years, he has the total package.

"I feel really good about Mike Hopkins. We just have to see what happens. Nothing is guaranteed. This country allows you to go after any dream. But he knows how much we love him here."

It makes you wonder if one of these days, Hopkins will win the process and take one of these jobs.

It also makes you wonder if he would be better off taking another job and gaining experience as a head coach before Gross and Syracuse "come and get him."